Exploring Primate Safaris in Rwanda

Rwanda, often called the “Land of a Thousand Hills”, is not just famous for its stunning scenery and friendly people- it’s also a top destination for those interested in seeing some of the world’s most fascinating primates. If you’re a nature lover or just curious about these intelligent creatures, a primate safari in Rwanda is an experience you’ll never forget. In this guide, we’ll explore the mots popular places to see primates in Rwanda and the different primate’s species you can encounter there.

Why Rwanda is a Primate Paradise

Rwanda lush forest and national parks offer the perfect habitat for primates. The county has made impressive efforts to protect its wildlife, especially its mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. Because of this, Rwanda is considered one of the best places in the world to see primates in their natural habitat. Whether you’re interested to see mountain gorillas or the playful golden monkeys, Rwanda has something for very primate enthusiast.

The Top Destinations for Primate Viewing in Rwanda

1. Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park located in the Northern Province of Rwanda, near the town of Musanze (formerly Ruhengeri) and sits on an area covering 160 square kilometers. The Volcanoes National Park was turned into a major plant and wildlife conservation areas in the early 1920’s at the same time as the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

The park is also home to 5 majestic Virunga Volcanoes including Mount Sabyinyo, Gahinga, Karisimbi, Bisoke, and Muhabura Volcanoes. Volcanoes National Park is the most famous for primate safaris. It’s home to the endangered mountain gorillas, playful golden monkeys and serval other primate species. The park is of the Virunga Mountain Range, which also spans into neighboring countries.

Primates You Can See

Mountain Gorillas:  These primates are the main attraction here. Visiting Volcanoes National Park offers tourist with the rare opportunity to trek into the lush forest and observe these gentle giants up close. While on a gorilla trekking, you’ll have an opportunity to spot various families of habituated gorillas such as Hirwa, Amahoro, Muhoza, Karisimbi, Sabyinyo, Umubano, Agashya, Susa A, Kwitonda and   Bwenge among others. Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park just like another gorilla trekking destination, begins in the morning with a briefing about the rules and regulations on how to trek the gorillas. Gorilla Trekking is highly regulated to protect the animals, so you’ll need to book well in advance. Seeing a family of gorillas in their natural habitat is truly a life-changing experience.

Golden Monkeys: These playful and colorful monkeys are also found here. They live in the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park and are often seen during gorilla treks. Golden monkeys are smaller than gorilla but equally fascinating, especially with their bright golden fur and social behavior. Tracking the Golden Monkeys is less strenuous than the gorillas because they don’t go to high altitudes in search of fresh food like the gorillas.

Other Primates: Although less common, you might also spot vervet monkeys, mona monkeys and red-tailed monkeys. These primates can be observed during treks or simply while exploring the park.

2. Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe Forest National Park is located in south western Rwanda in a town called Cyangungu near Lake Kivu and near the border with Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The park currently occupies 970 sq.km of land and started as a forest reserve in 1903 before becoming a full national park in Rwanda more recently (2004). Nyungwe Forest is the largest remaining montane forest in Africa and a biodiversity hotspot. It’s especially famous for its rich primate population and the canopy walkways that give visitors a bird’s-eye view of the forest. Nyungwe Forest National Park is home to over 85 mammal species are found in the park of which 13 are primates.

Primates You Can See:

Chimpanzees: Nyungwe is one of the best places in Rwanda to see chimpanzees in the wild. Nyungwe forest is currently the best place to track chimpanzees in Rwanda. Nyungwe forest is a home to about 400 individual chimpanzees that live in different clans. Only two groups are habituated. You can go on a chimpanzee trekking tour to observe these intelligent animals as they play, hunt, and communicate in their natural environment.

Other Monkeys: The park is home to several monkey species, including the Angola Colobus Monkeys, Dent’s Mona Monkeys, Grey Cheeked Mangabeys, Hamlyn’s Monkeys, L’Hoest’s Monkeys, Red tailed Monkeys, Silver Monkeys, Vervet Monkeys, White and Black and Colobus monkeys. The most popular species among tourists is the arboreal Ruwenzori Colobus that feeds on leaves and is identifiable by the contrasting black and white colors. Each of these species has unique behaviors and social structures that are fascinating to observe.

Baboons: You might also see olive baboons roaming through the forest.

3. Gishwati-Mukura National Park

Gishwati-Mukura National Park in Rwanda was created recently (2015) and is Rwanda’s fourth national park. It was established to restore the forest and protect wildlife. Gishwati-Mukura National Park is located in the western part of Rwanda (the districts of Rutsiro and Ngororero) and covers an area of 13.2 square miles. The park was formed by merging the Mukura and Gishwati forests. The park has 5 primate species and over 100 species of birds. It’s an excellent place for those seeking a more intimate encounter with primates in a less commercialized setting.

Primates You Can See:

Chimpanzees: Like Nyungwe, Gishwati-Mukura hosts a population of chimpanzees. The park’s forest is lush and offers a quieter, less crowded experience.

Other Small Primates: The park is also home to various smaller primate species, including baboons, golden monkeys, L’Hoest’s Monkeys, vervet monkeys, blue monkeys, black and while colobus monkeys and bush babies, through sightings can be rarer due to limited access.

What to Expect from a Rwanda Primate Safari

Guided Tours: 

Most primate safaris are conducted with experienced guides who know the habits and locations of different primates. They help ensure safety and maximize the chances of sightings.

Permits:

Viewing mountain gorillas and chimpanzees requires permits, which can be purchased through authorized tour operators. To participate, you need to purchase a gorilla permit, which costs around USD 1500 per person. Whereas for chimpanzees cost $ 150 for foreign non-residents, $75 for international residents and $25 for East Africans. These permits include a ranger guide fee, one hour with the chimpanzees, a chimpanzee conservation fee, security and others

Duration:

Typically, gorilla treks last about 2-4 hours, depending on how far the primates are from the starting point. It’s advisable to set aside multiple days to increase your chances of seeing different species.

What are the rules of primate safaris in Rwanda

• Eating or smoking 200 meters closer to the chimpanzees is forbidden to prevent chances of the primates grabbing it from you. They are wild animals that must search for their own food and not depend on human provision
• When you locate the mountain gorillas or chimpanzees only one hour of trekking is allowed with them. This is to allow these primates to go about there day to day activities. They have been habituated to be in the presence of humans for just that time

  

• You should limit noise while in contact with the primates
• You should avoid unnecessary movements around the primates
• Photographing the primates while using a flash should be avoided.
• Keep a distance of about 8 meters from the primates when you locate them. This is to reduce on the chances of passing an infection to the primates.

What to take on Primate Safaris in Rwanda

When going on a primate safari in Rwanda, it’s important to bring a few items. Pack waterproof hiking boots, a daypack, long-sleeved shirts, a camera, long trousers, a torch, insect repellent, a sweater, sunglasses, a safari hat, and others.

Best time to go on Primate Safaris in Rwanda

 The best time to go on Primate Safaris in Rwanda is during the dry seasons, from June to September and then December to February. During these months, the weather is clearer, trails are easier to navigate, and primates are more active, making for a more enjoyable and rewarding experience.

Contact our trusted tour operators for more information about Primate Safaris in Rwanda and Book with our tours and travel companies such as; Elephant Whispers Safaris who offer the best Primate safari packages in Rwanda.